Savings Options & Costs

Getting your head in
the home buying game.

Once you decide to take the steps to make your home ownership dream a reality, there are lots of little things you can do to grow your down payment faster. Challenge yourself to adjust your daily spending habits. You’ll discover that saving money can be very rewarding.

Include your friends

Tell everyone that you’re saving for your first home. They’ll likely support you and understand if you spend a little less on going out or shopping.

Share your goal with friends and ask homeowners for advice on how to stay motivated and keep saving.

New to Canada?

Reach out to friends and family back home for the motivation you need to save for your first home in Canada. And, talk to other new Canadians about how they saved for their first homes. Most people are eager to help.

Using your RSPs to help with your down payment

As a first time homebuyer, you have the option of using your RSP funds toward your down payment. For many people, that's just the boost they need to afford their first home.

Withdraw up to $25,000, in a calendar year, from your RSPs for a home purchase (up to $50,000 for a couple)

Using your TFSA to help with your down payment

A Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) is a type of registered plan where you can save or invest up to $5,5001 a year. Any unused contribution room is carried forward. Unlike other types of savings, you’re not taxed on the income you earn. It’s a great way to save for your short- or long-term goals because it lets your savings grow – tax-free.

If you withdraw money from your TFSA account to help pay for your down payment, you’re under no obligation to pay it back. If you want to put the money back, you simply have to wait until the next calendar year or later.2